“A career year from Alex Smith still didn’t change the Chiefs’ playoff luck. And with Smith being dealt to the Redskins, it looks as if it’ll be Patrick Mahomes’ time in 2018. He won his Week 17 start, becoming the first quarterback drafted by Kansas City to win a game for the Chiefs since Todd Blackledge.”

The Chiefs will probably stay ranked around that same spot heading into the 2018 season since Patrick Mahomes is still an unknown. As expected, the team’s success will hinge on how quick Mahomes’ progress comes along.

Of course, the Chiefs could boost up their rankings a bit if they add some key pieces to the defense in the offseason via free agency or the NFL Draft. Trading for former Redskins cornerback Kendall Fuller was the first step. K.C. still has plenty of team needs though, so this will be an important...